Imagine a vision taking root in December 1976. That is when Rising Star Baptist Church began. The Rev. I. C. Green was its founder and first pastor.
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church started with just 43 charter members. This included an associate minister. It also included one deacon and 20 choir members. Their first service was December 5, 1976.
During that first week, Rev. Milton Robinson found their first building. It was at 34 West 34th Street. The members rented it. They had the option to buy. On December 12, 1976, they held their first service there. Three new members joined that day. In 1977, they decided to buy the building. They paid it off in 1986. It took much negotiation, hard work and prayer.
For over 35 years, Rising Star grew. Its membership expanded and ministries grew. Now, Rising Star has over 1,000 members. It has 50 ministries meeting community needs. Each year, people from different backgrounds join the family. They greatly impact the church’s programs. They offer their leadership and participation.
Rising Star partners with ministries in Southern Arizona. One is Church on the Street. It helps those in need. Another is Goshen Ministries. It serves African refugees. Rising Star’s outreach extends worldwide. They support programs in Turkey. They also support Zambia, Africa. They aid world relief organizations.
In 2005, Rising Star bought land. It was for a new 4.3-acre campus. The address is 2800 East 36th Street. Groundbreaking was October 29, 2005. Construction finished. The church passed inspections. On March 31, 2007, they marched to the new campus. Their first service there was April 1, 2007. This was one week before Easter. God blessed Rising Star with a large turnout. The new building is state-of-the-art. It equips people for ministry. They even bought three houses nearby for parking. Now, they have five acres.
Pastor Lewis provides visionary leadership. The Holy Spirit energizes the church. Rising Star ministers to the whole person. They share faith, hope, and love. Servant-leadership is important. They also value sound teaching, warm fellowship and genuine love.
Rising Star is a local church with a global impact. It is determined to fulfill its destiny with God’s help. They let God build His church in His way. It is all for His glory. Rising Star Baptist Church stands as a beacon. It shines with faith and service.